ALLERGENS causing skin sensitization also can result in allergic contact reactions of mucous membranes including cheilitis, stomatitis, proctitis, and pruritus ani. The present case illustrates an unusual cause of such allergy from the fruit of the female ginkgo tree.

Report of a CaseA 63-year-old man was observed in the Dermatology Clinic for porphyria cutaneatarda. His urinary uroporphyrins had decreased to 227μg/24 hr with abstinence from alcohol. During a scheduled return visit, perioral erythema and swelling were noted. The patient related a history of burning, tingling, and soreness of his mouth, and a thick feeling in his tongue which began that morning. He denied the ingestion of new foods, new toothpaste, chewing gum, or oral medications. Results of a physical examination showed perioral erythema, swollen lips, and erythema of the buccal mucosa, tongue, and tonsillar pillars. The patient was advised to change toothpaste, avoid chewing gum, gargle with salt water,